Max previews Mugello: 'Confident it's going to be a positive weekend'
Published on 10 September 2020 by Stefan Meens
After a difficult Italian Grand Prix, which ended in a DNF for Max Verstappen, the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver is looking forward to bouncing back during the Tuscan Grand Prix at the Mugello circuit.
Before previewing this weekend’s race, the Dutchman explained the technical woes that plagued him last Sunday. “The engine was getting too hot so we had to retire the car.”
With the DNF, Max championship hopes have also faded: “That’s completely off the table. I never really had a chance. I’ve only won one race and in the other races we weren’t fighting for the win. The championship is done; I have to be realistic.”
Pierre Gasly was the surprise winner of the Italian Grand Prix, meaning the win stayed within the Red Bull family. “Pierre did a great job. He never gave up a came back strong. He’s doing a really good job at Alpha Tauri. Sure, he was a bit lucky to win the race, but that doesn’t matter. A win is a win. The whole team was so happy and they deserve it; it’s an amazing group of people. It was really nice to see.”
Despite the challenges in Monza, Max is positive ahead of Mugello. “It can only get better, so I’m looking forward to it. Normally we should be in a good position here, behind the Mercedes. But it’s a new track for everyone so we have to see how the set-up works out. But I’m confident we can have a good weekend. It’s a new challenge that hopefully works out for us.”
Despite Mugello featuring on the Formula 1 calendar for the first time in the championship’s history, Max does not think that is an advantage. “Maybe some will have a little advantage in the first training, but by the time we reach qualifying, the usual order will be restored.”
Mugello is not completely alien to Max. “A few weeks ago, I drove here all day in a GT car. That was really useful because I haven’t raced here before. You can drive the simulator, but I haven’t. This works better. Of course, the car I drove was slower than a Formula 1 car, but it was still the best way to learn the track. It’s going to be a quick lap, so it’s going to be fun.”
“Friday will be an important day. We can learn a lot about Mugello and we’ll find out where we are at with our car.”
Tuscan GP contest: win the Max Verstappen RB12 Japan 1:43 scale model!
